The story so far:

---- Aija is a Volunteer at the Pristine School at Innermost. She works along with Zuri and Ze, who are her friends. Aija witnesses a strange event one night – light emanating from Rez's body. The kidnapper is after her soul, next, but he leaves her alive and goes away. Another man finds her, he wants to take her somewhere else - Aija though wary of him agrees. Aija learns of the existence of the aliens – the Ytai. Also, about the R'ies and H'eon, Harvesting and Àvo from Etrie. Etrie tells her that the man, who Harvested Rez (Thieron), will now go after her. He tells her that the spy/kidnapper's name is Luka. Etrie asks her to work along with him.

---- Thieron works for H'eon. The Leader of He'on is Alton Ivar. Thieron tells Alton that he will find the second Priority Soul so that he can be sent to retrieve the Àvo. Thieron is provoked by Dhor-Wo (Alton's bodyguard). He hits Dhor-Wo and breaks his nose. Thieron trails Aija; he finds that she is an extremely powerful soul. And, so, even though Alton asks him to Harvest her, he decides on a different plan by himself.

---- Nala seeks Zuri out. They spend the day together, and go to the APC. 

---- Zuri introduces Aija to Nala.

---- Nala is contacted by her partner, who sees her mingling with humans.

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****9.2 - Nala****

Nala tensed. 

Where was he? 

She looked around, but she couldn't see the owner of the voice anywhere.

"You can't see me," he told her. "You are wearing grey shorts and a black tee," he added, further confirming to her that he was indeed there somewhere watching her. "Meet me at the Park, Nala. Now." He cut the call.

Nala's heart hammered against her rib-cage, as her breathing quickened. She had been caught, talking – even laughing with humans. She ran her fingers through her hair as she saw the two girls conversing excitedly.

She looked at Zuri; beautiful Zuri. What was she to do now?

She steadied herself and hurried over to where the two human girls sat. Nala envied their friendship a little; she once had a good friend. Long, long ago.

"I need to leave," she told Zuri.

"Why?" Zuri's voice was filled with concern. She must have caught on to Nala's tense stance.

"Just some work." Nala tried to brush it off.

Zuri didn't buy into it, but like always she didn't pry. "Alright," she said standing.

Aija remained seated and took out her Scroll. To give them privacy, Nala understood.

Zuri walked Nala to the gate after Nala said her goodbye to Aija. Zuri surprised Nala by hugging her. Nala hugged her back; fear coursing through her, wondering if he was looking at her from afar.

"Will I see you again?" Nala asked, holding onto Zuri tightly. Zuri's embrace was strong and sure, just like she was.

Zuri let her go and looked up at her. She was about three inches shorter than herself. Not more.

"Maybe," she whispered.

"Thanks," Nala was grateful; grateful that Zuri didn't pry; that she accepted Nala despite all her secrecy. But, Nala knew it wouldn't last very long. Zuri surely one day will ask all the questions she has been withholding.

Nala left quickly and headed to the Park. She found him somewhere close to the other end of the Park. She had almost called him to ask where he was, but she had hesitated, knowing that he wanted her to search for him. She had taken over twenty minutes to reach him at the other end.

He was standing near an oleander bush, arms across his chest.

She stood in front of him, finding a way to explain herself, but it was her anger that won.

"Why the heck were you following me?" she yelled in Ytèan.

"I wasn't following you, Nala," he told her, voice carrying more concern than anger.

The concern in his voice startled her. Her anger dissipated, and she struggled for words.

"Do you really like her that much?" his voice was soothing. It surprised her.

"Ne." she nodded. Yes.

"This is bad, Nala."

"I don't care."

"I do. And, that girl with the long hair..."

"Aija?" Nala interrupted.

"Aija? Is that her name?" he asked, the tone of his voice changing. But, Nala couldn't decipher it; couldn't give that change a name.

She nodded. "Well, Aija is Zuri's friend. I like Zuri."

"She's human," he stated, more to himself than to her.

Nala waited for him to continue. He seemed lost in his thoughts. She decided to leave when he didn't say anything, and as she turned, he said, "Nala wait. I won't tell Thieron."

She halted. She looked back at him, surprised. She was sure the first thing he would do was tell Thieron; she had been sure she was in trouble.

"Why won't you tell him, Luka?"

Luka sighed. "But, there is one thing you need to know. The other girl,"

"Aija."

"Yes, Aija." Luka agreed, "Thieron has his eyes on her. He's either going to Harvest her soul or kill her. I believe it was an order from Alton. She saw Thieron Harvesting that boy Rez."

And, that's when it flashed to Nala. She knew now why Aija had felt familiar before. She had seen her from afar in the dark, that night. Her long hair was a giveaway, as were her eyes; even though they had been in the dark.

"Are you alright?" Luka asked her. "Lalana?"

"I thought he had killed her that night," Nala said, thinking back to that night. She felt as if someone had punched her in the lungs.

"No...," he said. "He left because Etrie had arrived. I saw her well and alive." he continued. "Etrie found her, took her with him. Now he's trailing her. She knows about Harvesting. And, she's close to that girl you like."

"Zuri..." Nala emphasized. "Do you think she said anything about all this to Zuri?"

"I am not sure, Nala. I have been keeping track of her for Thieron, but so far, nothing of significance has happened."

Nala felt uncomfortable. "But what does it have to do with Zuri?" she whispered.

Could it be that Zuri already knew something? Is that why she didn't pry? Was she waiting for Nala to say something?

Luka spoke, his voice cradling a certain sadness and a warning at the same time, "Don't you think that Zuri will be sad if Thieron kills Aija? Will you be able to live knowing Thieron killed Zuri's friend? How will you keep facing her?"

Nala rubbed her temple; Luka tried to gauge her thoughts. But, Nala wasn't sure what to even think or feel.

"Aija is a powerful Àvo soul, Lalana. Thieron is not letting her stay alive even if she isn't an Àvo soul, for that matter."

"Zuh'tih!" Nala cursed.

Nala knew she was in trouble. Would they Harvest Aija, Zuri's best friend?

Like Luka said, how would she face Zuri?

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